The City of Eagle Pass Planning and Zoning Commission on June 18 approved variances that reduce required separations between accessory structures and the main building at 2135 Applewood Street, but the approval was conditioned on the applicant not charging for use unless proper permits and approvals are obtained.
Planning Department staff presented that the parcel is an 8,316-square-foot R-2 lot in Best Subdivision Unit 2, Block 2, Lot 8, and described two rear-yard covered structures (palapas) and a proposed batting cage. Staff noted work had started before permits were issued and that code requires a 10-foot separation between a main building and a detached accessory structure and a 5-foot side/rear setback; staff recommended denial because the lot appeared regularly shaped and no unusual hardship was shown. Staff also raised fire-safety and neighbor-impact concerns tied to minimum separations.
Applicant Cassandra Miwa told the commission the structures are intended for a nonprofit youth baseball team she helps run and said practices would be supervised, not for profit: "We are a registered nonprofit organization with the state of Texas," she said, and later, "we don't charge." She and supporters supplied a petition of neighborhood signatures in support and a nearby neighbor, Samantha Espinosa, spoke in favor.
During discussion commissioners asked whether the structures could be reconfigured, whether parking or noise would be an issue, and whether permitting for an ongoing or future fee-based use would be required. Planning staff noted that if the structure were attached to the main house it would be treated as part of the main structure and subject to a 16-foot rear setback; detached accessory structures require the 10-foot separation from the primary building and 5-foot side/rear setbacks.
A commissioner moved to approve the variances on the condition that the applicant not charge for use unless and until the applicant obtains the appropriate approvals; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one opposed. The approval permits the applicant to complete the work subject to compliance with building and electrical permitting and the no-fee condition; staff will continue permit review and enforcement as needed.